O’Connor, Lionsgate Team for Warrior

Gavin O’Connor (upcoming Pride and Glory) has set up his next film, Warrior, at Lionsgate.

O’Connor had originally set Warrior at New Line. Lionsgate has since acquired the script, a mixed-martial-arts saga about two estranged brothers on a collision course to fight in a tournament for the heavyweight championship.

OConnor wrote the script with A.M. Tambakis and Cliff Dorfman, and the helmer will produce with his brother, Greg O’Connor.

OConnor conceived the drama as a potential trilogy, and Lionsgate will also be involved in a mixed-martial-arts tournament dubbed Sparta that will be launched in connection with the movie.

The trade says that O’Connor has partnered in the 16-man grand prix tournament project with UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture, who will play himself in the film.